Council Aims To Match Youths With Summer Jobs

April 12, 1990|By Ron Patrizio of The Sentinel Staff

A summer job doesn't have to be boring, especially when it could mean flying an airplane or helping someone in need.

Young people age 16 to 21 can earn money while helping fix up homes for low-income elderly or learning to fly a plane. It is all part of the Private Industry Council of Central Florida's eight-week summer employment program.

Disadvantaged young people in Orange and Osceola counties can register for jobs from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturday at a recruitment fair at the Winter Park Community Center at 721 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. The fair also will feature free T-shirts, food and music.

Industry council spokeswoman Susan Hamberg said participants are matched with jobs in their areas of interest and can select businesses that will teach them about a certain industry.

The goal is to get jobs for young people and to help them keep those jobs, she said.

Applicants will be tested for math and reading skills. Those scoring below their grade level will attend summer school classes alternating with work. Students will get credit for courses they complete.

Hamberg estimated that more than 800 disadvantaged young people are expected to sign up for jobs in fields such as computers, teaching, construction, electronics and medicine. In one class, students take flying lessons as a way to learn mathematics and other skills.

Area businesses interested in hiring a young person this summer can call the industry council. The council will pay half of the summer job trainee's salary.